Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze captures Hong Kong’s ‘blue hour’ for Vacheron Constantin

Sep 22 , 2017

A twilight image of Tai O pictured by French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze.

French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze’s images of city at twilight coincide with unveiling of Swiss watchmaker’s luxurious Overseas collection

Bleu is the colour for Hong Kong-based French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, who first became fascinated by the city’s twilight “blue hour” after moving here in 2009.

His latest pictures showing Hong Kong at dusk were featured in the “An Invitation to Travel: Blue Hour, Hong Kong Overseas” exhibition, at Kong Art Space in SoHo, last week, hosted by Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin, to coincide with the launch of its six new Overseas collection timepieces.

Hong Kong skyscrapers by French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze.

Vacheron Constantin commissioned Jacquet-Lagrèze – who began taking twilight images of the city for his project, The Blue Moment, in 2015 – to take a series of new blue-laced pictures around the city.

The ‘blue hour’ ... when the city’s light and natural blue light blend perfectly ... creates a magical feeling

French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze

All eight images were photographed during the short 10- to 15-minute “blue-hour” period that occurs in the city each day during the summer months.

“The challenge is that the ‘blue hour’ happens in summer, from May to September, and that’s the hottest season in Hong Kong,” Jacquet-Lagrèze said.

“It only lasts for 10 to 15 minutes every day, so you can’t take all the photos [in one go].

Photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze with his ‘blue-hour images of Hong Kong at the exhibition.

“[It is] when the city’s light and natural blue light blend perfectly.

“It creates a magical feeling and everything is balanced. I found it meaningful. It is so treasurable – the transition between day and night.”